8-KOther Events

ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC 8-K Report (May 15, 2002)

Filed May 15, 2002For Securities:ITW

Summary

Illinois Tool Works Inc. (ITW) filed an 8-K report on May 15, 2002, announcing a significant change in its independent auditor. The company's Board of Directors, on the recommendation of its Audit Committee, decided to dismiss Arthur Andersen LLP and engage Deloitte and Touche LLP as its new auditors, effective May 10, 2002. This auditor change is a key event for investors as it can sometimes signal underlying issues. However, the filing explicitly states that the dismissal was not due to any disagreements on accounting principles, financial statement disclosures, or auditing scope and procedures. Arthur Andersen's audit reports for the fiscal years 2000 and 2001 were without adverse, qualified, or modified opinions. Furthermore, ITW confirmed no prior consultations with Deloitte and Touche regarding any matters that would require disclosure under SEC regulations.

Key Highlights

  • 1ITW dismissed its independent auditor, Arthur Andersen LLP, effective May 10, 2002.
  • 2Deloitte and Touche LLP has been engaged as the new independent auditor for ITW.
  • 3The decision was made by ITW's Board of Directors upon recommendation from its Audit Committee.
  • 4There were no disagreements between ITW and Arthur Andersen LLP regarding accounting principles, financial statement disclosures, or auditing scope/procedures.
  • 5Arthur Andersen's audit reports for fiscal years 2000 and 2001 were clean, with no adverse opinions, disclaimers, qualifications, or modifications.
  • 6ITW did not consult with Deloitte and Touche LLP on any matters that would require disclosure under SEC Regulation S-K prior to this appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

ITW's Board of Directors, on the recommendation of its Audit Committee, decided to dismiss Arthur Andersen LLP and engage Deloitte and Touche LLP as its new independent auditors. The filing states this decision was made as of May 10, 2002.

No, the filing explicitly states there were no disagreements between ITW and Arthur Andersen LLP on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure.

No, the audit reports of Arthur Andersen LLP on ITW's consolidated financial statements for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2001, and 2000, did not contain any adverse opinion, disclaimer of opinion, nor were they qualified or modified.

No, ITW stated that it did not consult with Deloitte and Touche LLP regarding any matters or events that would typically require disclosure under SEC Regulation S-K during the two most recent fiscal years or the subsequent interim period.